Behavioral Scientist

Leidos; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions leader is seeking a highly skilled Behavioral Scientist to support influence operations in various locations, including Tampa, FL. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in Behavioral Science and at least 3 years of experience in analysis or influence operations. Key responsibilities include conducting behavioral analysis and designing influence strategies for target audiences. The position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance. Competitive salary range between $85,150 and $153,925.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in behavioral analysis or influence operations.
• Experience supporting U.S. military or intelligence community operations.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance or eligibility to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Support analytics team in constructing and modifying research design.
• Conduct behavioral analysis to identify psychological factors influencing behavior.
• Develop metrics to evaluate influence strategies on target audiences.

Skills

Behavioral analysis

Influence operations

Social media analysis

Cognitive modeling

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree in Behavioral Science

Job description

Leidos National Security Sector (NSS) is seeking a highly experienced and skilled mission-driven Behavioral Scientist to support APOLLO/OPIAS in Tampa, FL. This position will support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) by applying behavioral science principles to influence target audiences, optimize communication strategies, and assess the effectiveness of OIE activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral science, psychology, or a related field, with experience in developing, implementing, and assessing influence strategies in a defense or intelligence context. This position is on a future contract pending award announcement.

Possible locations for this position are as follows:

AFRICOM

CENTCOM

SOUTHCOM

EUCOM

INDOPACOM

NORTHCOM

Possible locations for this position are as follows:

MacDill (Tampa, FL)

Al Udeid (Qatar)

Fort Meade (Maryland)

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii)

Southcom (Doral, FL)

Stuttgart (Germany)

Tyndall AFB (Florida)

Key Responsibilities:

Support the Leidos analytics and assessment team in constructing and modifying research design.

Contribute to design of opinion research and interpretation of findings. Examples of opinion research includes survey, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.

Conduct behavioral analysis of target audiences to identify psychological, cultural, and social factors influencing behavior.

Design and implement influence strategies, including message development, narrative crafting, and media selection.

Collaborate with OIE planners, PSYOP, and MISO teams to integrate behavioral science insights into operational planning.

Conduct post-operation assessments to measure the effectiveness of influence activities and refine approaches.

Develop metrics and analytical tools to evaluate the impact of influence strategies on target audiences.

Provide subject matter expertise in cognitive and behavioral sciences for OIE planning and execution.

Present research findings and analysis to senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making.

Define use cases and key questions or topics to ensure that data visualization and quantitative analysis can be completed to support mission needs.

Review studies conducted by similar organizations and determine reliability, validity and other strength factors for potential use in theater.

Contribute to methodology advancement for analyzing and extracting insights from large-scale qualitative and quantitative data sets to enhance comprehension of target audience behaviors and reactions.

Basic Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field

3+ years of experience in behavioral analysis, influence operations, or a related field, preferably within a defense or intelligence environment (bachelor's degree and additional years of experience also acceptable)

Experience supporting U.S. military or intelligence community operations

Experience in social media analysis, digital marketing, or online influence campaigns

Experience designing, implementing, and assessing influence or persuasion strategies

Familiarity with cognitive modeling, cultural analysis, and psychological profiling

Strong analytical skills, with experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly

Active TS/SCI security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one)

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in Behavioral Science, Psychology, or related field

Familiarity with OIE principles, MISO (Military Information Support Operations), PSYOP, and other influence activities

Knowledge of influence and persuasion theories

EIO2024

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

Original Posting:

July 25, 2025

Leidos National Security Sector (NSS) is seeking a highly experienced and skilled mission-driven Behavioral Scientist to support APOLLO/OPIAS in Tampa, FL. This position will support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) by applying behavioral science principles to influence target audiences, optimize communication strategies, and assess the effectiveness of OIE activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral science, psychology, or a related field, with experience in developing, implementing, and assessing influence strategies in a defense or intelligence context. This position is on a future contract pending award announcement.

Possible locations for this position are as follows:

• AFRICOM

• CENTCOM

• SOUTHCOM

• EUCOM

• INDOPACOM

• NORTHCOM

Possible locations for this position are as follows:

• MacDill (Tampa, FL)

• Al Udeid (Qatar)

• Fort Meade (Maryland)

• Northcom (Colorado Springs, CO)

• Camp Humphreys (Korea)

• Arifjan (Kuwait)

• Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii)

• Fort Eisenhower (Georgia)

• Offutt AFB (Omaha, NE)

• Naval Operating Base Norfolk (Virginia)

• Southcom (Doral, FL)

• JB San Antonio (Texas)

• Stuttgart (Germany)

• Vicenza (Italy)

• Tyndall AFB (Florida)

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Leidos analytics and assessment team in constructing and modifying research design.

• Contribute to design of opinion research and interpretation of findings. Examples of opinion research includes survey, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.

• Conduct behavioral analysis of target audiences to identify psychological, cultural, and social factors influencing behavior.

• Design and implement influence strategies, including message development, narrative crafting, and media selection.

• Collaborate with OIE planners, PSYOP, and MISO teams to integrate behavioral science insights into operational planning.

• Conduct post-operation assessments to measure the effectiveness of influence activities and refine approaches.

• Develop metrics and analytical tools to evaluate the impact of influence strategies on target audiences.

• Provide subject matter expertise in cognitive and behavioral sciences for OIE planning and execution.

• Present research findings and analysis to senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making.

• Define use cases and key questions or topics to ensure that data visualization and quantitative analysis can be completed to support mission needs.

• Review studies conducted by similar organizations and determine reliability, validity and other strength factors for potential use in theater.

• Contribute to methodology advancement for analyzing and extracting insights from large-scale qualitative and quantitative data sets to enhance comprehension of target audience behaviors and reactions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field

• 3+ years of experience in behavioral analysis, influence operations, or a related field, preferably within a defense or intelligence environment (bachelor's degree and additional years of experience also acceptable)

• Experience supporting U.S. military or intelligence community operations

• Experience in social media analysis, digital marketing, or online influence campaigns

• Experience designing, implementing, and assessing influence or persuasion strategies

• Familiarity with cognitive modeling, cultural analysis, and psychological profiling

• Strong analytical skills, with experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly

• Active TS/SCI security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one)

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Behavioral Science, Psychology, or related field

• Familiarity with OIE principles, MISO (Military Information Support Operations), PSYOP, and other influence activities

• Knowledge of influence and persuasion theories

EIO2024

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

Original Posting:

July 25, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $85,150.00 - $153,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About the company

We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets.

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